Gwen Flightner Cumley
On the morning of September 22, 2020, Gwen passed peacefully into her heavenly home. She was 88 years old.
Gwen was born October 20, 1931, in Wolf Point, Montana. She was the second of three daughters born to Raymond and Opal Flightner.
Gwen attended kindergarten in Deer Lodge, then grades 1-12 in Darby, Montana. In 1953, she graduated from the University of Montana School of Business Administration in Missoula.
Gwen married Bill Cumley on Dec. 26, 1954, in Missoula, Montana. Their life together spanned many locations: Monterey, California; Fuerth, Germany; Pullman, Washington; Presidio, Texas; Grand Marais, Minnesota; Naperville, Illinois; and Helena, Montana. Wherever they lived, Gwen created a welcoming home and cultivated lasting friendships.
Gwen worked in various secretarial positions until 1959, when she made the transition to full-time homemaker. In her own words, “Being a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother filled my life with purpose and contentment.”
Gwen’s faith in her Lord Jesus Christ permeated every aspect of who she was. Also known as “Gwennie,” she blessed friends and strangers alike with her warmth and generosity. She always took time to listen and was intentional in speaking words of kindness and appreciation. Her radiant smile and trust in God remained steady in every circumstance. Even in her final days, she inspired family and friends with the simple phrase, “All is well.”
A long-time member at Fortress of Joy Church in Helena, Gwen also was part of many other Christian ministries through the years. Whether teaching children, leading women’s Bible study, or playing piano, she took great delight in serving God and loving people.
Gwen was preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Opal Flightner, husband Bill Cumley, and sister Carol Howard. She is survived by her sister Judy Robbins, as well as her children: Lee Ann Zanon (Mike), Kevin Cumley (Wanda), Eric Cumley (Shelley), and Karin Miller. She has 10 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Gwen will be buried at Fort Harrison Cemetery in Helena. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, World Vision, Metro World Child, or the charity of one’s choice.
The family would like to express special thanks to everyone at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, for their excellent and compassionate care.
A Celebration of Life for Gwen will be held Saturday, August 7, 10:30 a.m., at the Fortress of Joy Church, 720 Faw Ave., Helena, 59602. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Gwen.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
10:30 a.m.
Saturday August 7, 2021
Fortress of Joy Church
720 Faw Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
10:30 a.m.
Saturday August 7, 2021
Fortress of Joy Church
720 Faw Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Shirley Cole says
sO SORRY TO HAVE HEARD THAT GWEN PASSED AWAY. SHE IS IN GOOD HANDS NOW AND I KNOW SHE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. GOD BLESS THE FAMILY AND I PRAY THAT GOD HOLDS EACH OF YOU IN HIS HANDS. BLESSINGS.
SHIRLEY COLE
Douglas T Dundas says
The reception in heaven for Gwennie is undoubtedly a noteworthy occasion! The quintessential mother, and house general of the Cumley family will forever be remembered for her dry wit and devotion to God. When visiting the Cumley house after spending lazy afternoons down at 10 mile creek, I will always remember her gently but firmly demanding us kids to CLEAN THE FISH OUTSIDE!!!
Sandi LaSalle says
I have not seen Gwen for a very long time, but will always remember what a beacon of light she was while we attended Faith Tabernacle. A great example of Christian love and as a very gracious lady. Sandi LaSalle
Karen and George Marble says
We met Gwen when she was walking in the neighborhood. Last time she walked by, she caught my husband mowing his big lot lawn and she remarked that “his lawn was better than the football field at Darby”. Every time we look at our “field” we will think of Gwen. She and I would call each other to catch up on the ‘blessings of our life”. Gwen was such a warm-hearted, positive person. My husband would plow her driveway, at her directions where to put the snow. She was always so grateful at the end of the snow season. We will miss her presence on Earth. The Lord Bless You Gwen. Karen and George Marble
Linda Lode says
I haven’t seen Gwen for some time, but I do remember what a special ‘lady’ she was. Her faith in God got her through each storm in life and helped her celebrate all of life. Her Lord is now watching over her family. Linda lode
Gina says
I was fortunate to know Gwen through attending church together. Gwen was always so kind and gracious anda amazing piano player. My thoughts are with you Kevin, wanda, Eric. I feel blessed to have known your mother
Jonathan Pinter says
Aunt Gwen was an amazing person, continually choosing to be upbeat and positive creating a warm atmosphere in which one desired to be in. She was a gracious hostess and superior cook; having spent many wonderful holidays in my high school years in her and Bill’s home with the BEST cousins in this world. Those were great times and memories that she helped to foster for all of us, unforgettable! Most of all, Gwen was instrumental in opening the gateway of faith for me in Jesus Christ. She was there when I prayed the prayer to allow Jesus to have my soul and life in my grandparent’s bedroom in Townsend, MT, 1984. I’m certain that a rich joyous reception was experienced as she was given her real home prepared for her by the One she loves and is devoted to. We undoubtedly know who that is! She is in her element, hurray!!
Barbara Mellott Tidyman says
My sympathy to Gwen’s family. She was a friend during my teen years — she from Darby, me from Hamilton — and was instrumental in me joining Delta Gamma sorority at the University of Montana, Missoula. Gwen was president of Delta Gamma her senior year. Gwen was an outstanding young woman — always optimistic, extremely thoughtful, and an active, vigorous person. I was a bit younger and considered her a role model.
Deanne Gustin Vizurraga says
Sending my condolences at the loss of this beautiful woman. I will never forget her radiant smile not her gentle spirit. She always made me feel welcome. May she rest now in the loving arms of Jesus!
Jim and Betsy says
Dear Family
We never met Gwen but her sister Judy is a very dear friend of ours. Judy always spoke about Gwen and what a great SIS she was. Our condolences and love go out to all of the family especially Judy. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love always
Jolene Dow says
So sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you . Gwen always welcomed me into her house when I grew up with Lee Ann in Helena. She was a kind and loving person. God Bless! Jolene (Petrino) Dow
Gilda A Clancy says
Gwen was a blessing to me personally and our church body. What a sweet and encouraging lady! I will miss her! Gilda Clancy
Karleen (Polutnik) Hanson says
To the Family
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mom was such a wonderful person. I saw her at Albertsons about a year ago (give or take a couple months). I offered to help her load her car, we chatted briefly. Her smile so sweet. I called her Mrs. Cumley, funny even when you’re over 50 you still have respect for the parents of your school friends. Gosh, we had some good times at the Cumley house. Riding in a box down the three flights of stairs to the basement. Flying a kite so high it took us hours to rein back to Earth. Lovely memories for a lovely family and mother. God Bless
Karleen
Jack Warkenthien says
What a perfect picture of Gwen! That look is exactly how we all remember her. The Cumley Family were our nextdoor neighbors in Naperville, IL and her four kids were friends with my brother, sister and I. She was always in a good mood, offering a smile and hearty laugh to anyone around her. We continued to visit her and the Cumley Family after they moved to Montana. Gwen is in a better place today and I’m sure she’s visiting with Bill who has kept her seat warm for several years. I’m a better person for having known Gwen and I share our sympathies for Lee Ann, Kevin, Eric and Karin.
Rae Miller says
Mom,
I am most grateful that now you and I understand each other. We can now have a relationship based in truth. I love you today and always.
Rae
Larry and Janice Larison says
We were Gwen’s neighbors across the fence on Big Horn Rd…..I remember your mom coming to our home a couple of days after we moved in with fresh flowers and a BIG welcome to the neighborhood! Such a kind and thoughtful woman…she is dearly missed.